Monday, December 10, 2007

The late celebration of World AIDS Day last Friday in Auki was a successful story to tell. The march consisted of NGOs like World Vision, Save the Children, SIPPA, churches, Malaita medical unit, youth groups, the SI Red Cross, and general public started from Mobil Station area, went around the Auki Township and ended at the Market area where the official programme commenced.

In the official statement from the Medical director, Dr. Rex Moukera, HV/AIDS is not a story of overseas but the story of our country- particularly in Malaita. HIV/AIDS now is with us.

"People need to practice ABC method to fight HIV/AIDS. Young people should abstain from sex till marriage. When people married, be faithful to your partners. And if we cannot control our sexual behaviors then use condom", he said.

In the same address, Mr. Isaiah Tukuvaka (SI Red Cross Health officer) highlighted the different stages of HIV/AIDS from Window period to blown out AIDS the HIV positive people have to go through.

Relation to this, Niniu Oligao, the SI Red Cross Dissemination officer said, "In our societies now, HIV/AIDS is not separated from Discrimination and Stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS.

"This is the time the real causes of the HIV/AIDS must not be swept under carpets. Communities must be reliably informed about this sickness and be ready to tackle the issues of discrimination and stigma against the HI/AIDS positive people.

"We should be responsible leaders to do this job of informing the people in the streets or rural areas correctly about HIV/AIDS".

Video and drama perfomances about HIV/AIDS concluded the celebration.

And celebration was based on the theme 'Leadership' with a slogan 'Take the lead. Stop AIDS. And keep the promise'.

Brief Background of Solomon Islands Red Cross:Solomon Islands Red Cross Society, by the act of the National Parliament (a separate act from the Non Governmental Organizations Act) in 1983 established as an auxiliary (extra supporter) of the state dedicated to protecting human life and dignity in the Solomon Islands, thereby promoting lasting peace.

Hundreds of people in the Red Cross help those hurt by armed conflict, social disturbances, natural disasters, and other human tragedies. Victims around the country and region come to trust the people of the Red Cross to be there to provide important humanitarian services.

The people of the organization help anyone in urgent need. No regard is paid to political, racial, religious, or ideological differences. No point of view or person is favoured over another. Neither influence nor pressure will change these facts.

But the Solomon Islands Red Cross is more than a philosophy, or a historical institution. It is the part of a worldwide belief that human life and dignity are worthy of respect and protection from ravages of man and nature. It is a belief made real every day by the actions of skilled and trained people who are moved by a deep personal desire to help others without regard for their own material gain.

Red Cross members help people to prepare for, recover from, and, if possible, prevent the effects of tropical cyclones, floods, fires, sea level rise, diseases, or other disasters that threaten individuals or communities.They help people prevent and handle emergencies through Commercial and Community Based First Aid trainings and health skills. Where needed and possible, they save hundreds of lives by promoting reliable supply of blood. They also share the resources necessary to improve service to people throughout the Solomon Islands, regionally, and internationally. They give new direction in the lives of the disable children through special education to read and write in sign language. Today, disable children are our aspirations who contribute in making Solomon Islands a better place for humanity.

The financial support of individuals, business houses, donor friends, and governments makes this work possible.